Ofcom has confirmed the UK's single largest-ever release of spectrum will take place this summer via auction.

The 205MHz of spectrum is in the 2010-2025MHz and 2500-2690MHz bands — commonly known as the 2.6GHz spectrum — and is ideally suited for mobile broadband. The main question to be resolved in the technology- and service-neutral auction is that of which mobile broadband technology will win out. The two main contenders are mobile WiMax and the long-term evolution (LTE) of 3G.

According to Philip Rutnam, Ofcom's partner in charge of spectrum policy, the spectrum release "will create opportunities for fresh innovation, new services and competition for the benefit of consumers in the UK."

Ofcom's 2.6GHz auction forms parts of a wider programme to "release around 400MHz of prime spectrum to the market over the next few years", the regulator said on Friday.

Although WiMax has gained a footprint in some parts of the world — particularly those where wired telecoms infrastructure is scarce — it seems unlikely that the technology will dominate over LTE in areas such as Western Europe, where investment in 3G infrastructure has been high.